SILVER SPRING, Md., Dec. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is proud to announce its recognition as among the "Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality" by the Human Rights Campaign, thanks to the company's perfect 100 percent score on the 2012 Corporate Equality Index—an annual report from HRC ranking companies on their LGBT-friendly practices and policies.

"Choice Hotels is committed to fostering a fully-inclusive environment for all of our associates and this important ranking is another resource for us to do the right thing for our corporate employees," said Steve Joyce, president and CEO of Choice Hotels. "But participating in HRC's Corporate Equality Index isn't just the right thing to do, it's also good for business; Choice Hotels is always looking to recruit and retain the best employees and being recognized for our inclusive culture helps to achieve this goal."

This is the 10th year that HRC has issued its CEI report. The 2012 CEI chronicles the remarkable advances that have taken place on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality in the workplace since 2002. In its first year, only 13 businesses received a top 100 percent score. This year, Choice Hotels is among 190 other corporations, across industries, geographies, and size that will receive a 100 percent score on significantly stringent criteria. As a company, Choice Hotels has participated in the HRC's CEI over the past three years, increasing its score year over year with a 95 percent ranking for 2011.

"Corporate America is leading the charge for equality in the workplace," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "We commend the businesses that participated in the CEI. They understand that LGBT-inclusive workplace policies are the right thing to do and good business practices."

As part of the CEI, Choice Hotels was rated on 40 specific policies and practices, 32 of which are new or more demanding this year. To achieve a perfect score and the coveted distinction of "Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality," Choice Hotels had to have fully-inclusive equal employment opportunity policies, provide equal employment benefits, demonstrate organizational LGBT competency, evidence its commitment to equality publicly and exercise responsible citizenship.

About HRC

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

About Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,100 hotels, representing more than 490,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of September 30, 2011, 430 hotels were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 35,000 rooms, and 94 hotels, representing approximately 8,700 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 20 other countries and territories. The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.

Additional corporate information may be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. Web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com.